It's officially cider and doughnut season. Get your fix at these local orchards

LIVINGSTON COUNTY — Labor Day marked the start of the cider mill season, and autumn activities are ripe for the picking.

Five well-loved cider mills and fall fun sites in and around Livingston County are open for the season, but one, we're sorry to announce, is taking the year off.

On Sept. 3, Grainger's Orchard and Cider Mill in Howell announced on social media it won't open this year. Thanks to a warm spring and late frost, the majority of the farm's crop was lost.

The mill will open for one weekend in October to sell cider. That weekend will be announced via Grainger's Orchard & Cider Mill on Facebook.

“Farming is rough road, never having to worry about if we could sell our crop is a blessing we hope to never take for granted,” the post read. “Much love and more to come.”

Another popular mill in nearby South Lyon closed its doors in 2022 after more than 102 years in operation. Erwin Orchards and Cider Mill shuttered when owners Bill and Linda Erwin retired. The farm and mill were purchased and now operated under Blake's Orchard and Cider Mill.

Schell Family Farm

10055 Dexter-Pinckney Road, Pinckney

The Schell Family began opening their property to the public in 2019. During regular hours, visitors can pick apples, pumpkins and sweet corn; purchase doughnuts and cider; browse flowers; or even book family photo sessions. Unfortunately, the business' on-site haunted attraction will not return in 2024, following an announcement Saturday, Sept. 14.

Visit facebook.com/schellfamilyfarm for updates.

Markillie Orchards

5200 N. Latson Road, Howell

Markillie Orchards is a family-owned operation that started planting apple trees in 1998 to sell at farmers markets. In 2006, owners Jeff and Karin Markillie built their barn and started selling cider and doughnuts.

They now offer jams, jellies, salsa, soft serve and other fall favorites, including their bestselling cider slush. The business is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays through October. Learn more at markillieorchard.com.

Parshallville Cider Mill

8507 Parshallville Road, Hartland Township

This 145-year-old mill is one of the few water-powered mills left in Michigan. In the past, it's been a flour mill and a grist mill for grinding grain into animal feed. Now, it makes cider, spiced doughnuts and homemade apple products.

According to its website, the mill was started by Isaac Parshall, who also ran the post office out of his home. Parshallville was established around the mill and remains an unincorporated community in Livingston County.

Earlier this week, WHMI reported the mill is now up for sale. WHMI reported there's interest in continuing as a cider mill or turning the location into a wedding venue.

The mill will continue to operate through this fall. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Wednesdays and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays. Visit parshallvillecidermill.com to learn more.

Spicer Orchards Farm Market and Winery

10411 Clyde Road, Hartland Township

Spicer Orchards in Hartland offers fun for the whole family with a corn maze, wagon rides and pick-your-own fruits like apples, raspberries and plums. There's also a grill and winery for parents to enjoy a drink with lunch.

Spicer is another historic, family-owned farm. According to their website, the family has been growing fruit in southeast Michigan for six generations. The farm is open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. daily. Visit spicerorchards.com for the latest information.

Subscribe: Get all your breaking news and unlimited access to our local coverage

Blake's Orchard and Cider Mill of South Lyon

61475 Silver Lake Road, South Lyon

Erwin Orchards and Cider Mill, once located here, closed its doors in 2022 after more than 102 years in operation when owners Bill and Linda Erwin retired. The farm and mill were purchased and now operate as Blake's Orchard and Cider Mill.

It's one of three orchards owned by the family. The mill offers pick-your-own fruits and vegetables, a funland for families, a farm store and bakery, and hard cider on tap. It's open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays.

Visit blakefarms.com to learn more.

— Contact reporter Tess Ware at [email protected]. 

This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: Check out these orchards near Livingston County during fall